Buncombe County Community Briefing | April 9, 2025

Buncombe County Community Briefing Recap: Hurricane Helene Recovery and More (April 9, 2025)

On April 9th, Buncombe County held a Community Briefing to update residents and businesses on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, alongside other important community initiatives. The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of available resources and outlined key deadlines for those impacted by the storm, demonstrating a concerted effort to support our community’s resilience.

A major focus of the briefing was the newly established Helene Recovery Resource Center, located at 94 Cox Avenue. County officials emphasized its role as a “one-stop shop” for survivors, offering access to federal, state, and local assistance programs including FEMA Individual Assistance, SBA Disaster Loans, and the Azure Mitigation Grant Program. The meeting highlighted that the deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance has passed (April 8th), but encouraged residents with questions about their applications to contact the One Buncombe Call Center (828-250-6100). Debris removal was another significant topic, with the deadline for applying to have private property debris removed set for April 13th. Residents were reminded not to move debris into the right-of-way, as that work is already complete.

Beyond hurricane recovery, the briefing covered several other important developments. A new State Private Roads & Bridges Program aims to repair or replace damaged private infrastructure, and residents interested in this program are encouraged to fill out an interest form at buncombready.org. Agricultural producers impacted by crop losses have until May 2nd to apply for the Agricultural Crop Loss Program through Buncombe County Extension (828-255-5522). The Community Care Station at Owen Poole remains open, providing essential services like showers, laundry, water, and bathrooms for those in need.

The most significant decision made during the meeting was the unanimous approval by City Council of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Action Plan. This crucial step unlocks $225 million in federal funds, providing a vital boost to long-term recovery efforts. As stated by Asheville City Manager Deborah Campbell, this approval reflects a commitment to supporting the community’s resilience and rebuilding efforts.

While the briefing primarily featured updates from county and state officials, it underscored a commitment to transparency and providing residents with the information they need. Officials like Wilcox County Manager Abba Kendrick highlighted a "welcome approach" designed to center the needs of survivors, and Chris Werner from the NC Department of Public Safety emphasized prioritizing repairs to private roads that provide sole access for emergency services.

What’s Next? Here's what you need to know:

• Need assistance with debris removal? Apply by April 13th at welcomeready.org or call 828-250-6100.
• Agricultural producers with crop losses? Apply for the Agriculture Crop Loss Program by May 2nd through Buncombe County Extension (828-255-5522).
• Private road or bridge damaged? Fill out the interest form at buncombready.org.
• Stay informed: Bookmark AshevilleRecovers.org, sign up for phone alerts (text BC Alert to 99411), and utilize the One Buncombe Call Center for any questions.
• Mark your calendars: Join the community at the Truck City ABL event on April 12th and the Memorial Stadium Reopening/Sports & Fitness Fair on April 15th.

This briefing demonstrated a coordinated and proactive approach to supporting Buncombe County residents in the wake of Hurricane Helene, while also highlighting other important community initiatives. By staying informed and utilizing available resources, we can collectively work towards a stronger and more resilient community.